The UK is rightly famed for its stately homes. They have proven to be a great source of inspiration for novels, plays and films such as Downton Abbey, Sense and Sensibility and Bridgerton. They are also a great inspiration to companies like the Poole Architects uxarchitects.co.uk/. Most of them stemmed from fortified houses or were built from scratch over the years. They are usually square and rectangular in shape, and feature columns in the classical/georgian style. What are some of its best examples?
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- Buckingham Palace. Originally a townhouse, it was bought by King George the third as a London residence. The last Queen isn’t keen on it, thinking it more like an office. King Charles is said to have a similar view.
- Blenheim Palace. Set in Oxfordshire this is a huge purpose built dwelling for the Duke of Marlborough. He was very good at beating the French in battle and was duly rewarded. To emphasis the point he was good at giving battle, decorative cannon balls atop the roofs and gates. Winston Churchill was born there.
- Highclere in West Berkshire. Instantly recognisable as “Downton Abbey ” Highclere was first built in the 1600s but a full renovation, with a definite gothic revival feel, happened in 1840. It was also the home of the Carnavon family who were the founders of Howard Carter’s exploits in Egypt.
- Hardwick Hall. With the nickname “more glass than walls”, it was built to show off. A recent window tax meant that the owner, Bess of Hardwick could more than afford it, she was richer than the Crown.